The Franklin County Watermelon Festival boasts non-stop musical entertainment, watermelon contests and more, including the presentation of the Watermelon Queen, arts and crafts vendors, an antique car and truck show, 5K and fun run, free wedges of juicy watermelon, youth performances, themed festival T-shirts for sale and more in downtown Russellville.

Entertainment
The opening ceremony will be Aug. 16 at 6:30 p.m. Friday performances will include Tremayne at 7 p.m. and LOVER: An Eras Tour Experience at 8:30 p.m.

Saturday begins with the car show and 5K/fun run at 7 a.m. followed by festivities all day. Main stage music amps up at 6 p.m. with Rewind, followed by Austin Bohannon at 7 p.m. and Colin Stough at 8:30 p.m. For more information visit https://franklincountychamber.org/festivals-2/watermelon-festival.

Road closures will be in effect beginning Aug. 15 at 3 p.m. (ending Aug. 17 at 11:59 p.m.)

Thursday – North Jackson Ave. from Lawrence St. to Lauderdale St. and West Franklin St. from North Jackson Ave. to North Washington Ave.

Friday – 8 a.m. until Sunday morning. – North Jackson Ave. – From Lawrence St. to Cotaco St. and North Washington Ave. from West Franklin St. to West Lauderdale St.
Saturday – 6 a.m. until after the car show – South Jackson Ave. – from Lawrence St. to Marion St.

The Russellville Police Department has issued a reminder not to drive around any barriers/cones that are marking closed roadways.

Parking
The lot behind State Farm at North Washington Ave./West Franklin St. is only open to Watermelon Festival vendors. For questions or assistance, the Russellville Police Department can be contacted on their non-emergency line, 256-332-2230.